Duke’s Second-Half Surge Steals the Show at the Dick Vitale Invitational
Charlotte, NC – November 4, 2025 — Charlotte brought the energy Tuesday night for the inaugural Dick Vitale Invitational, and if you were in the Spectrum Center, you got a little bit of everything: a feel-good tribute, a heavyweight matchup, and a second-half surge that turned a tight game into a Duke celebration. The No. 6 Duke Blue Devils outlasted Texas, 75–60, in a game that felt like a statement — not just for Duke’s young stars but for college basketball fans hungry for a true early-season showdown.
From the jump, the event carried postseason energy. A pregame tribute to Dick Vitale — complete with messages from coaches and players across the country — brought the crowd to its feet and set the tone for a night of passion and pride. Both teams came out physical, trading buckets and playing scrappy defense in a first half that ended with momentum up for grabs. Duke’s Isaiah Evans sparked the Blue Devils early, hitting key shots to keep things close as both sides settled in.
But the second half was all Duke. The Blue Devils came out firing with a 10–0 run that silenced Texas fans and energized the building. Cameron Boozer, quiet in the first half, erupted for a double-double, dominating the glass and finishing through contact in the paint. Evans closed with a career-high 23 points, while Boozer added 15 points and 13 rebounds, showcasing the inside-out balance that Duke fans have been waiting for.
For Texas, the game showed grit and potential but also growing pains. Dailyn Swain led the Longhorns with 16 points, yet turnovers — 16 in total — kept them from ever fully catching up. Despite strong moments of defensive intensity, the Longhorns struggled to find rhythm late as Duke’s ball movement and rebounding sealed the deal.
From a fan perspective, the night was unforgettable. The energy in the Spectrum Center was electric, with over 12,000 fans roaring through every run, dunk, and defensive stop. The celebration of Dickie V’s legacy added a heartfelt layer to the evening — a reminder that college basketball is more than competition; it’s community, history, and shared passion.
For Duke, this was more than just a win — it was proof that this year’s team has the depth and maturity to compete at a national level. The combination of freshman firepower and veteran leadership makes the Blue Devils a dangerous force early in the season.
For Texas, this loss will sting but serve as a valuable learning experience. Cleaning up turnovers, improving second-chance opportunities, and sharpening perimeter defense will be keys as the Longhorns prepare for conference play.
At the end of the night, the Dick Vitale Invitational delivered exactly what college basketball fans hoped for — high-level play, emotional storytelling, and a reminder that the season ahead is going to be special.
